NEWPORT, R.I. -- Salve Regina University men's basketball made 16-of-28 (57.1%) of its field goals in the second half and shot 90 percent from the line (9-of-10) to rally for a 67-61 quarterfinal playoff victory over Clark University in the New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) Championships. The third-seeded Seahawks (19-7, 11-5 NEWMAC) advance to the semifinals where they'll play tomorrow night at second-seeded Babson College. The Beavers have been idle since earning the No. 2 Seed after ending the regular season with a 98-64 defeat of Salve Regina in Newport last Saturday.

The Cougars (12-14, 7-9 NEWMAC) finish their season with a seventh consecutive setback. Clark entered the 2025-26 campaign with an 11-0 mark all-time against Salve Regina before the Seahawks swept the season series and took their first ever NEWMAC postseason matchup.

Cougar freshman Aliaun Iscandari (Hawthorne, Calif.) led all players with 30 points on 11-of-20 from the floor and 8-of-9 from the line. Sophomore Kyle Squires (Kingston, Mass.) joined him in double figures with a 16-point effort.

Salve Regina, which trailed by three at the half (25-22) and as many as eight earlier in the stanza, got a balanced attack with four Seahawks in double digit scoring -- Sean Seymour (Albany, N.Y.) with 18 points, Domenic Malvey (Newtown, N.H.) with 15 points, Jack McMullen (East Greenwich, R.I.) with 12 points, and Zavier Francoeur (Canton, Mass.) with 11 points. McMullen had a double-double with a game-high 11 rebounds.

INSIDE THE MATCHUP
Final: Salve Regina 67, Clark 61
Records: Salve Regina (19-7, 11-5 NEWMAC), Clark (12-14, 7-9 NEWMAC)
History: These programs meet for the 14th time in men's basketball and fifth time at the Rodgers Recreation Center. After losing the first 11 meetings, Salve Regina has won the last three in the last two months.

SUMMARY
First Period — Clark Builds Early Control, Seahawks Stay Close

• 1H | The opening 20 minutes featured a competitive back-and-forth, but Clark University managed to establish a lead behind efficient scoring from its backcourt. Clark jumped out to a fast start, with first-half scoring paced by Aliaun Iscandari and Kyle Squires, who combined for early baskets that helped push the Cougars in front. Clark led 25-22 at the break. Salve Regina kept pace through a balanced attack, with Sean Seymour leading the Seahawks offensively and Domenic Malvey contributing sharply in the paint. While Salve struggled with its perimeter accuracy — connecting on just one 3-pointer before intermission — its free-throw effectiveness (going 9-for-12 in the period) kept the team within striking distance. Clark, meanwhile, maintained slightly better shooting percentages overall and benefitted from interior play that regularly got it high-percentage looks close to the basket. Multiple lead changes and tied possessions characterized the stanza, but the Cougars' early offensive rhythm gave them a slender edge heading into halftime. | SEAHAWKS 22, COUGARS 25

Second Period — Seahawks Turn the Tide and Close Strong

• 2H | The complexion of the game shifted dramatically after halftime, as Salve Regina seized control in the second period with sustained offensive pressure and improved shot making. Salve Regina opened the half on a higher gear, converting efficiently from both the free-throw line and from the field, including improved perimeter production. Seymour continued to assert himself as the team's primary scoring option while Malvey and Jack McMullen provided resilient support around the rim and on drives. The Seahawks' defense also tightened, forcing several turnovers and converting those opportunities into crucial points. Clark still received solid scoring from Iscandari and Squires, but the latter half saw their production offset by Salve Regina's deep run. Salve's bench also contributed, particularly with key defensive stops and transition scoring that helped the Seahawks wear down the Cougar defense. Over the course of the period, Salve Regina outpaced Clark by nine points, turning a three-point halftime deficit into a six-point victory. The second period amounted to a balanced offensive display from Salve Regina, with excellent free-throw shooting and a more diversified scoring attack proving decisive. Conversely, Clark's second-half offense — while showing flashes — could not consistently find outside shots or contain Salve's transition opportunities, sealing the Seahawks' 67-61 win. | SEAHAWKS 45, COUGARS 36

NOTEWORTHY

• Domenic Malvey dished out a game-high five assists and went 4-for-4 from the charity stripe.
• Jack McMullen continues to lead the Seahawks in rebounding and posted his third double-double of the season (12 points, 11 rebounds).
• Aliaun Iscandari also added four assists to his 30-point score sheet.
• Iscandari and Squires grabbed six rebounds apiece for the Cougars.
• Both teams scored 28 points in the paint.
• William Mensah finished with nine points while he and Pat Spenard both had a blocked shot.
• Salve Regina made 18-of-22 from the line for the game (81.8%). It was the sixth game this season with at least 18 free throws made for the Seahawks, and first since a three-point win over Emerson College (77-74) on January 28.

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QUOTABLE SEAHAWKS

"Our staff could not be more proud of our group. Clark is a tremendously talented team with excellent coaching, and they play so hard and challenge you in so many ways. I thought our guys did a great job bouncing back after runs and played much better in the second half tonight. Our upperclassmen led us and we made plays at both ends down the stretch to grind out a solid tournament game.  All year our players have been tough and unselfish. I'm so pleased for our seniors Sean Seymour and Jack McMullen who continue to improve and represent the university so well." -- Salve Regina head coach Sean Foster '97

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ON THE HORIZON
Salve Regina has a quick turnaround for its first-ever NEWMAC semifinal as the No. 3 Seahawks travel to play at No. 2 Babson College with a 7:30 p.m. tip-off on FloCollege.